Change is not a 4 letter word, but most of us treat it like one. There’s a saying about change being an inevitable part of life that we all have to figure out how to deal with, and if you have any doubts, just ask a dinosaur. I don’t remember who to give credit for the quote, but that doesn’t really matter, the fact is it is accurate. No one enjoys change just for the sake of change. We seem to enjoy change even less when it is thrust upon us unexpectedly or when the change is due to forces beyond our control. Since I have been on this earth for over 4 decades, I’ve experienced change that was unexpected as well as change resulting from methodical, planned activities. The truth is, neither is particularly easy to deal with.
The leadership principles I have learned from the changes I have encountered are simple:
Don’t waste time worry about things out of your control
So much of life, both personal and professional, is out of your control. The important part to remember is “out of your control”. A really smart guy (Jesus) once said you can’t add a single hour to your life by worrying about it. Why endure the stress and anxiety that comes with worrying about things that you can do nothing about? A more practical example would be changes at work. Whether the change is procedural or organizational, executives are not likely to come by your desk and get your input or ask your opinion. The change is going to happen and there is really nothing you can do about it. I know that’s really encouraging, right? From my own personal experience, I can verify that worrying has a very negative effect on your health, both physically and mentally. It does you no good and serves no real purpose in your life. So, as the great philosopher Queen Elsa would say, “let it go”!
Maintain your voice, but be a team player
Not worrying about things doesn’t mean you should not speak up about matters or concerns that present themselves in your personal or professional life. When you have an opportunity to share your thoughts, opinion or feelings around something, make sure you take advantage of it and be honest. The problem most people have is they really and truly believe that their thoughts, opinion or feelings around the issue are correct [see my previous post from May about perspective]. That’s funny, because everyone thinks they are right, right? The point here is to be able to understand that while you really believe in your own thoughts, opinion or feelings around whatever the issue is, that doesn’t mean that everyone or anyone has to agree with you! Further, when you provide feedback in any manner, you cannot hold people accountable to feel or think like you, and you certainly cannot expect them to come to the same conclusion as you and make the decision you would make. In short, offer feedback when you can and then refer to the first point above. Once a decision is made, even if you don’t agree with it, get on board with the decision and be a team player.
Adapt and move forward
Whatever change you encounter, do whatever due diligence is necessary to adapt effectively. Be willing to make changes that are in your control in order to be able to move forward with changes that are out of your control. As an example, let’s assume you are given a new manager at work. What practical, proactive and forward thinking things can you do to adapt effectively? Schedule a meeting with them. Get to know them, how they work, what they like. Ask for clarity on expectations and preferences on how they would like things done. It’s not that hard, but you can really set yourself up for success in spite of unexpected change if you just use a little planning and creativity.
For whatever reason, the dinosaurs could not adapt to change that came their way so they are now extinct. Some of the best lessons in life can be learned at the expense of others rather than repeating them ourselves.
The leadership principles I have learned from the changes I have encountered are simple:
Don’t waste time worry about things out of your control
So much of life, both personal and professional, is out of your control. The important part to remember is “out of your control”. A really smart guy (Jesus) once said you can’t add a single hour to your life by worrying about it. Why endure the stress and anxiety that comes with worrying about things that you can do nothing about? A more practical example would be changes at work. Whether the change is procedural or organizational, executives are not likely to come by your desk and get your input or ask your opinion. The change is going to happen and there is really nothing you can do about it. I know that’s really encouraging, right? From my own personal experience, I can verify that worrying has a very negative effect on your health, both physically and mentally. It does you no good and serves no real purpose in your life. So, as the great philosopher Queen Elsa would say, “let it go”!
Maintain your voice, but be a team player
Not worrying about things doesn’t mean you should not speak up about matters or concerns that present themselves in your personal or professional life. When you have an opportunity to share your thoughts, opinion or feelings around something, make sure you take advantage of it and be honest. The problem most people have is they really and truly believe that their thoughts, opinion or feelings around the issue are correct [see my previous post from May about perspective]. That’s funny, because everyone thinks they are right, right? The point here is to be able to understand that while you really believe in your own thoughts, opinion or feelings around whatever the issue is, that doesn’t mean that everyone or anyone has to agree with you! Further, when you provide feedback in any manner, you cannot hold people accountable to feel or think like you, and you certainly cannot expect them to come to the same conclusion as you and make the decision you would make. In short, offer feedback when you can and then refer to the first point above. Once a decision is made, even if you don’t agree with it, get on board with the decision and be a team player.
Adapt and move forward
Whatever change you encounter, do whatever due diligence is necessary to adapt effectively. Be willing to make changes that are in your control in order to be able to move forward with changes that are out of your control. As an example, let’s assume you are given a new manager at work. What practical, proactive and forward thinking things can you do to adapt effectively? Schedule a meeting with them. Get to know them, how they work, what they like. Ask for clarity on expectations and preferences on how they would like things done. It’s not that hard, but you can really set yourself up for success in spite of unexpected change if you just use a little planning and creativity.
For whatever reason, the dinosaurs could not adapt to change that came their way so they are now extinct. Some of the best lessons in life can be learned at the expense of others rather than repeating them ourselves.
